Valentin Inzko, 60, High Representative of the international community and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, speaks of the negotiations about the future of the country
SPIEGEL: The
Valentin Inzko: Yes. We will no longer tolerate blockades and a lack of will for reforms among Bosniaks, Croats and Serbs. Our consultations will resume on 19 October.
SPIEGEL: Will Milorad Dodik, the Prime Minister of Republika Srpka, who insists on autonomy, be faced with sanctions at that time?
Valentin Inzko: We will leave that decision for later. But the international community will no longer be fooled. We are helped by the fact that BiH’s neighbours, including
SPIEGEL: Nevertheless, media in
Valentin Inzko: One must urgently refrain from such speculations, because many wars began with words. Words are sometimes like arrows and hurt the soul. Wounds from the last war have not yet healed after 14 years.
SPIEGEL: There will be elections in
Valentin Inzko: This is unfortunately true, and there is a growing dissatisfaction among the population. It would be good to make some progress before the elections, such as visa liberalisation that would allow freedom of movement within
SPIEGEL: Former
Valentin Inzko: He says that
SPIEGEL: The EU is scheduled to take on more responsibility at the end of the year. What does this mean?
Valentin Inzko: An international presence will continue to be necessary in
SPIEGEL: Will the EU Special Representative still be called Inzko?
Valentin Inzko: I would be pleased.